February 10, 2014

Your Valentine’s Day Personality

by Cathleen Martin

Valentine’s Day can be a great opportunity to express
your appreciation for that special person in your life, but let’s be honest –
it can also be really stressful trying to come up with that perfect romantic
experience.A gift that might make one
person faint with excitement may do no more than elicit a resounding "eh" from
another!Perhaps it can help to think
about your sweetie’s personality type when planning the big evening; check out
the descriptions below (based on the Keirsey temperament types) to see if you
recognize your significant other, then read on for some local Valentine’s Day gift
ideas.

The Traditionalist

Traditionalists are reliable, practical people that place
a high value on doing things the way they have always been done.They often appreciate the customary trappings
of Valentine’s Day – fancy dinners, flowers, candy, and so on. An evening at
one of these classy restaurants would definitely make them feel loved!

One of the most sophisticated restaurants in Bastrop
County, Stories (at the beautiful Hyatt Lost Pines Resort) is offering a
special Valentine’s Day three-course meal for $65 per person. Offerings
include seared duck breast, prime filet mignon, and Chilean sea bass. See the full menu here. Reservations are strongly recommended.

It’s hard to beat a great steak for that special meal,
and Hasler Brothers serves up one of the best in Bastrop.White tablecloths, brick walls, and a piano
bar set the scene for a romantic evening out; if steak is not your thing, visit
on Tuesdays or Thursdays for handmade sushi.Reservations are strongly recommended.

Enjoy a lovely meal from Baxters’ extensive offerings in
their elegant yet cozy atmosphere.They
are rolling out a new seasonal menu just in time for Valentine’s Day, and there
will be live guitar and piano music to enjoy during your evening out.Reservations recommended.

Baxters on Main

The Rationalist

Rationalists are logical, driven, and natural-born
leaders. The most likely of all types to
think of Valentine’s Day as a "Hallmark Holiday," the Rationalist would
probably be all right with skipping the whole thing entirely!If you have your heart set on doing something
special on February 14th, however, try surprising them with a meal
at one of these more laid-back establishments.

This Bastrop institution is always a good bet for a delicious
meal at a reasonable price, and this Valentine’s Day is no exception.They are offering a three-course meal that
includes a salad, your choice of a salmon steak or a 10-ounce ribeye with all
the fixings, and a chocolate Bailey’s mousse for dessert.Non-alcoholic drinks are also included, and
beer and wine will be available to purchase separately.The cost per couple for the evening is $50
(before tax and tip).Bob Ojeda will be
the musical guest that evening.Reservations recommended.

Low-key atmosphere and out-of-this world food collide at
this charming restaurant in downtown Smithville.This year they will be offering a special
Valentine’s Day five-course dinner with two seatings available at 6:00 pm and
8:00 pm.Menu details and pricing are
being worked out, and reservations are definitely recommended.

Catfish and beer may not scream Valentine's Day, but it sure is good! Plus, Rationalists might enjoy eating somewhere that isn't a typical Valentine's Day restaurant. Paw Paw's is also super kid-friendly, with coloring sheets, triangle crayons, and a fun little fishing game to keep the kids occupied. Besides, nothing says love like fried pickles!

Paw Paw's Catfish House
Photo by Sleeping Owl Photography

The Artisan

A non-conformist at heart, the Artisan is creative,
optimistic, and often the life of the party.They value unique experiences, especially those that appeal to their
senses.A chance to break away from
their everyday routine and spend some serious one-on-one time with their loved
one will certainly recharge their batteries!

This charming inn located near downtown Smithville is
running a special offer
through February 16 - $109 per night (taxes included; two-night stay minimum)
plus a surprise Valentine’s Day special for you and your sweetie! Mention code “fb21414” when booking online or
over the phone.

This year, the Hyatt is offering a special “Love,
Lounging and Whoopie Pies” package throughout the month of February.Included in this package are complimentary
his and hers bathrobes, a fun “whoopee” amenity, a $25 voucher towards a $100
purchase (or $50 towards a $200 purchase) in Spa Django, and more.Click here for more details or
to make your reservations.

Viejo's is a fun place to have a tasty margarita with that special someone or a group of friends. From Avocado, Prickly Pear, Spicy Watermelon, and Pomegranate Margaritas to the Paloma Blanca, Peach Sunrise, Orange Truffletini, Pera Dulce, Fire Water and more, your taste buds will dance for joy. And if the food and drinks don't get you dancing, the live music with Shawn Galvan surely will!

Also, head next door to Veranda, located at 813 Main Street, to register to win a special Valentine's dinner for two at Viejo's - ribeye tacos with agave onion jam, Godiva Chocolate Cheese Cake, and an assortment of heart-warming cocktails!

Viejo's Tacos Y Tequila
Photo by Sleeping Owl Photography

The Idealist

These tender-hearted, intuitive people prize authentic
relationships above all else.While they
would appreciate any traditional Valentine’s Day present, they would absolutely
love a handmade card or a special gift that you put a lot of thought and time
into choosing.Check out one of these
shops to find the perfect item for your sweetheart!

This local favorite is stocked with all kinds of
Texas-sourced gift ideas – wine, gourmet food treats, candles, home décor, jewelry,
and more. You’ll be sure to find something here that will make your sweetie’s
heart go pitter-patter.

If your sweetie is into sweets, no other delicacy says
“Valentine’s Day” quite like chocolate-covered strawberries.Visit the Sugar Shack this February and
choose from three special deals including these decadent treats, or check out
their other numerous gift offerings. Plus, on Feb. 13th-14th, you'll be able to purchase flowers from Brenda Abbott Floral Design at the Sugar Shack, making it a one-stop shop!

This newly-opened storefront for locally produced wines
is an excellent place to pick up a gift for your favorite oenophile, or you can take advantage
of their Valentine’s Day special –a glass of wine paired with chocolate, each
chosen specifically to complement the other.
$20/person from 12-8 p.m. Visit the link above for more details.

Miss Vickie's has all kinds of Valentine's Day gifts for your sweetie including jewelry, greeting cards, home décor, knick knacks, '30s memorabilia, and so much more! Downtown Smithville also offers many other cute little shops and antique stores (e.g. The Carriage Stop, Reachable Stars Resale, Mosaic Art & Home, etc.) where you can find that perfect Valentine's day gift.

For the Artisans, why not get them some art for Valentine's Day? Art Connections Gallery is a fine art gallery that showcases and sells the work of many local artists. Also, 10% of each sale goes to the charity of the artist's choice. Their motto is "where art becomes heart." How perfect is that for Valentine's Day?

…and The
Unattached

We know not everyone has a special someone to celebrate
with this Valentine’s Day…that certainly doesn’t mean you need to sit around
the house, though!Take this chance to grab
to some of your best friends and have a high old time at one of these events.

Hit some of the best local shops in Elgin for wine
tastings, sweets, live music, giveaways and more!Participating businesses include The Owl Wine
Bar & Home Goods Store (106 Main Street), Fiddlesticks Emporium (102 Main
Street), and The Pearl (103 West First Street).This event is free of charge.

Get outside and enjoy an evening at the monthly Light o’ the Moon Float Trip, which
conveniently falls on Valentine’s Day this year! For $50 per person, you and
your buddies can enjoy a relaxing raft ride down the Colorado River, taking in
the scenery and doing some stargazing along the way.Pre-registration is required.